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What is UPSC’s Pratibha Setu Portal & How Can It Help Unplaced Candidates?

The UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal is a unique initiative by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to help candidates who clear the written exams but miss final selection. It connects them with private companies, PSUs, and government departments for employment opportunities. Originally launched as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) in 2018, it has now been revamped to include private sector participation, boosting job prospects for deserving candidates.

What is the Pratibha Setu Portal?
The Pratibha Setu Portal acts as a bridge between qualified but non-recommended UPSC candidates and potential employers. Every year, thousands of aspirants clear UPSC’s rigorous written exams but fail to make it to the final merit list after interviews. These candidates often possess strong academic backgrounds but lack formal work experience due to years of exam preparation.

This portal allows registered employers (both public and private) to access candidate details like:
Percentile rankings
Educational qualifications
Subject specializations
Contact information (with candidate consent)
The goal is to ensure that deserving candidates still get valuable career opportunities outside government services.

How Does the Pratibha Setu Portal Work?
Eligible Candidates – Those who clear UPSC written exams but don’t make the final list can opt-in to the portal.
Employer Access – Registered companies (verified via Ministry of Corporate Affairs) can search for candidates based on skills, qualifications, and exam category.
Confidentiality – Data is shared only for employment purposes, and candidates must give consent before sharing details.
Tracking Placements – UPSC monitors hiring progress by requiring employers to upload appointment letters.

Exams Covered Under Pratibha Setu
Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS)
Indian Economic & Statistical Services (IE&SS)
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
NDA & NA Examination
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
CISF Assistant Commandants LDCE
Combined Geo-Scientist Examination

Sample Questions & Answers (FAQs)
1. Who can register on the Pratibha Setu Portal?
Candidates who clear UPSC written exams but are not recommended in the final list can opt-in.
2. Can private companies access candidate data?
Yes, verified private firms registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs can search for candidates.
3. Is candidate information shared without consent?
No, UPSC shares details only after candidate approval for employment purposes.
4. How does UPSC track placements?
Employers must upload appointment letters, allowing UPSC to monitor hiring success.
5. Which exams are included in Pratibha Setu?
Major UPSC exams like Civil Services, Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, and more are covered.

Why is the Pratibha Setu Portal Important for Exams?
Alternative Career Path – Helps candidates who narrowly miss UPSC selection still secure high-quality jobs.
Private Sector Inclusion – Unlike earlier versions, private companies can now hire UPSC-qualified talent.
Skill Recognition – Validates the hard work of candidates who clear tough written exams.
Reduces Unemployment – Provides a structured way for deserving candidates to connect with employers.